Can a common herb protect against Alzheimer's?

Many cultures around the world frequently add rosemary in the preparation of their meals, including meats, veggies, soups, and stews. It’s a staple in Mediterranean-style cooking, and I’ve enjoyed its piney flavor many times in Greek dishes. Recent studies have found that, beyond adding flavor to meals, rosemary may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

It turns out the use of rosemary for cognitive benefits has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece. It's said that Greek students wore rosemary garlands to enhance memory while studying. Medieval healers used it in tonics for “weakness of the brain” and forgetfulness.

In the late 1990s, scientific studies found rosemary essential oil improved alertness and cognitive performance in small human trials.

Rosemary interacts with the brain in several ways. It enhances blood circulation, carrying more oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue, which may improve mental clarity. It also contains a compound that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical necessary for neuron communication, learning, memory, and attention.

In 2025, researchers developed a rosemary-derived anti-inflammatory compound called diAcCA. When administered to mice, diAcCA protected their brains from damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Because they believe the compound may also offer protection from other neurodegenerative disorders, scientists are urging that human trials be expedited.

You can learn more about the promising research, rosemary’s influences on the brain, and ways to add more of it in your day-to-day in this article from The Conversation:
https://theconversation.com/rosemary-has-been-linked-to-better-memory-lo...